Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine has retained its No. 1 ranking among Big Ten schools for the second year in a row and now holds No. 5 among veterinary schools nationwide, according to Quacquarelli Symonds, a higher education data provider that has rated top universities and their programs across the globe since 2004.

The veterinary college also rose three places internationally, from 15th in 2016 to 12th this year, along with MSU’s communications program in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences which also took the No. 12 spot. The College of Agriculture and Natural Resource's forestry program also ranked high, moving up one spot from the year before to No. 7.

“We are pleased but not surprised at this recognition of our excellence in teaching, research and service,” said John Baker, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “Our academic community has a long history of collaboration, talent and commitment. We support our faculty and students and provide an environment and structure that inspires the best in each member of our college.”

MSU is one of six Big Ten universities that have veterinary programs, all sharing a common mission of research, professional, graduate and undergraduate teaching, as well as public service.

The university also placed third for veterinary citations per research paper among schools nationally. The college’s researchers have had significant impact on their areas of specialty and in addition to advancing animal health and wellbeing, their research reflects strong multi-disciplinary and collaborative approaches.

“Rankings aside, we are excited about the future at the college,” said Baker. “But it’s rewarding to see that others are noticing the changes and the effects of our work.”

The QS World University Rankings evaluates universities and colleges using a ranking rubric that looks at three indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation and citations per paper.